It seems like every time you read about the housing market, there’s a lot of uncertainty. Are prices rising or falling? Are we on the verge of a crash? Will interest rates eventually decrease? With all this media buzz, you might be asking yourself: is now the right time to buy a home?

One thing that often gets overlooked is that real estate is really about playing the long game. When you step back and look at the overall picture, rather than just the latest flashy headlines, it becomes clear why many people continue to say it’s one of the best investments out there – even today.

The latest annual report from Gallup shows that for the 12th consecutive year, people are voting real estate as the best long-term investment. That’s more than ten years of surpassing stocks, gold, and bonds as the favorite choice among Americans.

Real estate often takes the top spot, and this isn't a surprise. What’s fascinating this year is that the results arrived right after a turbulent April for the stock and bond markets. Despite the wild fluctuations in other investments, real estate has remained stable. This is probably because it tends to appreciate in a more consistent and reliable manner. As Gallup points out:

““Amid volatility in the stock and bond markets in April, Americans’ preference for stocks as the best long-term investment has declined. Gold has gained in appeal, while real estate remains the top choice for the 12th consecutive year.”
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— Gallup

Even though today’s economy might feel a little shaky, investing in real estate can still be a strong move.

Home values are increasing, but at a slower rate these days. In some areas, you might see prices staying the same or even decreasing slightly in the coming year. However, it’s important to remember that this is just a short-term perspective. Don’t let that overshadow the larger trends at play.

Real estate has a strong history of increasing in value as time goes by. This is the kind of growth you can rely on, especially if you intend to stay in your home for a long while.

That's why so many Americans still believe in homeownership, even when the news seems a bit shaky. Sam Williamson, a Senior Economist at First American, mentions this idea.

““A home is more than just a place to live—it’s often a family’s most valuable financial asset and a cornerstone to building long-term wealth.”
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— Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First American

Bottom Line

Real estate isn't just about quick successes; it's really about making smart choices for the long run. So, don't let a changing market make you feel like it's not a good time to buy.

If you're feeling a bit uncertain, keep in mind that many Americans believe real estate is one of the best long-term investments out there. If you're curious about why so many people value homeownership, let's talk.